Misawa is unmasked (1990)

[chairmanoftheboard]

On May 17, 1990 Misawa (as Tiger Mask II) and Kawada took on Yoshiaki Yatsu and Hiromichi Fuyuki (who would later become the commissioner of FMW as Kodo Fuyuki) . During the match, Misawa started signaling Kawada to take off his mask.

This is truly a historic moment in Puroresu history. The unmasking part should start around 04:37

www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOG9I0vB9lU&feature=related

[Ishmeal Loves BBL Bayley]

Now, in Japan, does the crowd know who every wrestler is, or was Misawa wrestling as himself and Tiger Mask? I don't know Japanese, but it seemed that after he took the mask off, the announcers were referring to him as Misawa and the crowd was chanting Misawa. I could be wrong.

[honsou]

My question has got to be why he was unmasked at that time? Didn't seem to make much sense to me.

[Murf]

I'd like to know why he did this too. I've been dying to know since I heard of the incident.

[Mozenrath]

I think Misawa probably felt he would rather have the mask taken off in such a way than lose it, and probably wanted fame as Misawa, not Tiger Mask II.

[Next Level was WRONG]

From what I understand:

Kayfabe reason: In order to become himself instead of a repeat of Sayama and finally be able to achieve his full potential.

Business Raeson: In order to establish Misawa as a new, original star which All-Japan needed at the time. Hence the almost immediate feud with (and victory over) Tsuruta.

[Murf]

Was there any reason why it happened in THAT specific match?

[Alucard]

I didn't even know Misawa ever wore a mask.